Jimmy Carter's beloved Maranatha Baptist Church to host final farewell service

People are seen outside a prayer service for former President Jimmy Carter at Maranatha Baptist Church on Monday December 30, 2024 in Plains, GA. The town is the home of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100. (Photo by Matt

Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, held its first Sunday service Jan. 5 following the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Known for his faith and service, Carter taught Sunday school at the modest church for more than 40 years.

During the service, Carter’s niece, Kim Carter Fuller, who has led his Sunday school class after he was no longer able to, spoke to the congregation. She shared her belief that her uncle is now in heaven, reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn. Kim also reflected on Carter’s faith and teachings, incorporating them into Sunday’s lesson.

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Watch the service below

A Church Founded on Principles of Inclusion

Maranatha Baptist Church, which is surrounded by tall pecan trees on a desolate road in Plains, was founded in the late 1970s. Its name, "Maranatha," is derived from two Aramaic words meaning "Lord, Come!"

The church was established by 29 members of Plains Baptist Church who left after their former congregation voted against allowing Rev. C.B. King, an African American minister from Albany, to join. Maranatha Baptist was built on a foundation of integration and continues to welcome people of all races and religions.

Currently led by Pastor Ashley Guthás, the church remains a symbol of Carter’s legacy. On Sunday, Pastor Guthás praised Carter for his unwavering faith, strength, and accomplishments.

Jimmy Carter’s Legacy of Love and Service

For decades, Carter’s Sunday school lessons ended with a challenge: to perform one act of kindness for someone else. Examples included calling a lonely friend, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, or baking a cake for someone in need. Carter believed that small gestures of love could change the world.

Carter openly discussed his faith throughout his life, including during his 1976 presidential campaign when he described himself as a "born-again Christian." In an interview with The New York Times, he stated, "If there are those who don’t want to vote for me because I’m a deeply committed Christian, I believe they should vote for someone else."

PLAINS, GA - APRIL 20: Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school on Easter Sunday at Maranatha Baptist Church on April 20, 2014 in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by Chris McKay/Getty Images)

His faith also influenced his presidency. In his inaugural address in January 1977, Carter quoted a Bible verse from the Old Testament, setting the tone for his administration.

Even after Carter and Rosalynn were no longer able to attend services in person, they continued to watch Maranatha Baptist services on YouTube.

A Place of Pilgrimage for Many

Typically, about 30 people attend Sunday services at Maranatha Baptist Church. However, Carter’s classes often drew large crowds, with visitors traveling from across the country to hear him speak. He usually taught twice a week until health issues prevented him from continuing.

Visitors had to follow strict rules to attend Carter’s class, and those wishing to take a photo with "Mr. Jimmy," as he was affectionately known in Plains, were required to stay for the worship service.

This past Sunday, approximately 45 people filled the church’s pews for the first service since Carter’s passing, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Upcoming Private Funeral Service

Following a state funeral in Washington, D.C., on the morning of Jan. 9, Carter’s body will be returned to Georgia for a private service at 3:45 p.m. at Maranatha Baptist Church. Attendance at the funeral is by invitation only. However, the public is invited to line the motorcade route through Plains as Carter is carried to his final resting place beside Rosalynn. Click here to sign the online condolence book. 

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If you would like to attend

Maranatha Baptist Church continues to offer Sunday school at 10 a.m., led by Kim Carter Fuller, followed by worship at 11 a.m. The church's address is 122 GA-45, Plains. The town of Plains, which is in Sumter County, is about 2-½ hours from Atlanta, 45 minutes from Albany and 3-½ hours from Savannah. 

More Stories About Carter’s Sunday School

Read personal accounts from those who attended Jimmy Carter’s Sunday school classes at President Carter Challenge.

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